Explore Utah National Parks
Incredible outdoor adventures, five national parks and ancient ruins combine to make a trip to Utah the experience of a lifetime. See golden bridges of rock at Arches National Park, islands carved by rivers in Canyonlands National Park and red sandstone hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park. Want to see people or not? In popular Zion National Park, go on a popular adventure wading in the Virgin River through the Narrows, or go off the beaten path on Capitol Reef National Park’s quiet canyon wash trails.
Zion National Park
Cliffs, slot canyons, and dizzying views: This park has them all. Two classic Zion experiences: hiking Angels Landing and wading the Virgin River Narrows.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Famous for its weird and wonderful hoodoos—bulbous rock pillars—this southwestern Utah park also offers hiking, horseback riding, camping, and stargazing.
Arches National Park
Marvel at more than 2,000 natural rock arches at this park just outside of Moab. Some can be spotted from the road, but the best require a scenic hike.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is full of canyons, mesas, and buttes. But you won't find crowds here. It's Utah's least visited park even though it's the largest
Capitol Reef National Park
This national park preserves the 100-mile-long Waterpocket Fold (a “wrinkle” in the earth’s crust), a Mormon frontier settlement, and vast wilderness.
Neighboring Parks
From the Flaming Gorge in the north to Monument Valley in the south, Utah is filled with parks and recreation areas for you to enjoy.
5 Things to Know About Utah National Park Travel Amid COVID-19
In light of the spread of COVID-19, trying to find out what is open and closed in our national parks is a moving target these days. Here are updates.
Win the Grand 6 Road Trip
This trip takes you to all 5 of Utah's national parks plus the Grand Canyon for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Enter through Feb 23, 2021.
8 Ways to Live in the Moment, Utah-Style
Here are exceptional ways to have fun and be present, Utah national parks-style, even if you can't visit the parks in person.
Where are the parks and recreation areas in Utah?
Utah's five national parks are all located in the southern part of the state and are often added on to a Grand Canyon vacation because of their proximity to Arizona. Winter sports resorts and parks are located in the center and northern regions of Utah with Brian Head and Snowbird being popular destinations. The northeastern section of Utah is famous for dinosaur fossils and the Flaming Gorge, a beautiful water sports and fishing area.
How should I get to Utah's parks?
Most people drive. Check out our road trip ideas. There are a few major airports within a day’s drive of the parks including Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. Once you get to the parks, you will need a car or tour transportation to get around. Zion National Park has a shuttle that runs in the Valley. If you are entering Zion from the east, you need to be aware of the restrictions for the Mount Carmel Tunnel.
5 Best Road Trips
Find an exciting scenic route to the parks when you follow one of these itineraries. We show you the best starting points and points of interest on the way.
Airports Near Utah National Parks and Rec Areas
The closest airports and their distances from Zion, Bryce, Arches and other Utah Parks.
Shuttle Buses in Zion National Park
Information and tips on how to best utilize Zion's free shuttle system. Watch the video.
Will You Fit Through the Mt. Carmel Tunnel in Zion National Park?
A 1.1 mile-long tunnel is credited with converting Zion from an isolated and rarely visited park, to one of the most popular national parks
Where should I stay on my Utah vacation?
Zion and Bryce Canyon each have one lodge inside the park. However, all parks have campgrounds. There are a plethora of lodging options near the park entrances and in gateway towns including cabins, campgrounds, resorts, and hotels.
Hotels and Cabins
Only two of the five Utah national parks have hotels or cabins inside the park, but your can find a variety of lodging in gateway communities right outside the park boundaries.
Camping and RV Parks
Spend time camping on your Arches, Bryce, Zion, Capitol Reef and Canyonlands vacation at one of the many area campgrounds.
What is there to see in Utah's national parks?
Top 3 Vistas in Zion National Park
Get the best views in this red-rock paradise in southwestern Utah. If you want to feel on top of the world, here are three fantastic Zion hikes that offer incredible vistas.
What are Hoodoos?
The word "hoodoo" means to bewitch, which is what Bryce Canyon's rock formations surely do.
Natural Rock Arches in Arches National Park
The largest concentration of natural arches in the world. Marvel at more than 2,000 natural rock arches at this park just outside of Moab.
4 Districts of Canyonlands National Park
Explore the Needles, Island in the Sky, the Maze, and the Rivers of Canyonlands National Park. But don't miss these two fascinating spots nearby.
5 Things to See at Capitol Reef National Park
The best viewpoints, trails, and attractions in this under-the-radar park.
What is there to do in Utah?
Hiking through slot canyons and up rock formations, mountain biking over slickrock, 4-wheel scenic drives, and wildlife watching (especially for bighorn and birds) are the main activities. See our list of the top ten things to do in the parks and beyond.
Hiking Trails
Utah offers hikers and backpackers an exceptional variety of lovely trails that meander across rivers and streams, and pass by striking waterfalls & arches
Outdoor Recreation
From hiking to fishing to winter sports, there are plenty of activities for the outdoor enthusiast in Zion National Park.
Attractions
Utah has many museums, zoos, movie sets, and historic sites to visit on your national park vacation
Vacation Itineraries
Looking for ideas for a Utah vacation? Here you'll suggestions for Utah's five national parks along with some of Utah's leisure towns and cities.
What's New
Silver State Stopover at Great Basin National Park
In the Great Basin National Heritage Area, you’ll find Nevada’s only national park and surprising history.
Mysterious Moqui Marbles in Zion National Park
Moqui Marbles consist of a sandstone center covered by a shell of hematite, an iron ore, reported to have mystical properties and a Mars connection.
4th Graders Can Visit Parks Free For a Year
Students in the 4th grade can get a free annual entry pass for their family to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks.
Enter to Win the Grand 6 Road Trip to 6 National Parks
This trip takes you to all 5 of Utah's national parks plus the Grand Canyon for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Enter through Feb 23, 2021.
5 Things to Know About Utah National Park Travel Amid COVID-19
In light of the spread of COVID-19, trying to find out what is open and closed in our national parks is a moving target these days. Here are updates.
10 Best Things to Do in Utah National Parks
Be sure to hit one, or all, of the Top 10 Things to do and see in Utah Parks. There’s slot canyons, arches, museums, dinosaurs and more.
Glamp at Under Canvas Lake Powell Grand Staircase
With Under Canvas’ Lake Powell-Grand Staircase location, you can now explore two of the Southwest’s alluring destinations from one stunning glamping spot.